CCM Takes Action on Lentil Farmer Pricing Grievances

SINGIDA: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has directed the Singida Regional authorities to closely scrutinise Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) following complaints from farmers over the low prices offered for lentils. The ruling party has also instructed the Manyoni District Commissioner, Mr Vincent Mashinji, to strengthen oversight of the cooperatives to ensure farmers benefit fairly, rather than being exploited through the sale of crops at low prices. The directive was issued by CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Kenani Kihongosi, while addressing a public rally at the Old Itigi Bus Stand grounds in Manyoni District over the weekend, during his official tour of the area. Earlier, Mr Kihongosi visited and inspected various government development projects in the district. During the public meeting that followed, he listened to citizens’ grievances, one of which concerned allegations that Utemini AMCOS was purchasing lentils from farmers at unreasonably low prices. Explaining the challenge, Executive Director of the Itigi Warehouse Receipt System, Mr Kaelema Remides, said the problem was partly caused by interference from Indian traders who he said had infiltrated the system. “You may find an Indian trader operating two companies. One company comes here and advances money to farmers, while the other is already collecting large volumes elsewhere and storing them in big warehouses. When the produce entres the auction system, the trader’s second company buys it at the same low price initially paid to farmers, a tactic that prevents prices from rising,” he explained. ALSO READ: Tanzania registers 82 carbon trading projects In response, Mr Kihongosi ordered AMCOS in the region to prioritise farmers’ interests, stressing that lentil farming is the backbone of livelihoods for many residents. “Do not hesitate to take action against those exploiting our farmers and do not sympathise with them. Protect farmers’ interests firmly because farming is their livelihood. It sustains their families and pays for their children’s education,” he said. He added that public servants should always remember that when they sit in public offices, many citizens view them as their last hope. Mr Kihongosi warned that CCM would not tolerate a recurrence of such exploitation and urged the cooperatives to act fairly when purchasing crops through the warehouse receipt system. In a separate directive, he ordered all hospitals to ensure that children under five years of age and pregnant women receive free medical services, in line with government policy. He issued the order following complaints from residents that pregnant women and young children were being charged for medical services contrary to regulations. Mr Kihongosi instructed the Singida Regional Medical Officer to refund patients who were wrongly charged for services that should have been provided free of charge. He also directed the regional medical officer to take disciplinary action against the District Medical Officer, citing numerous complaints from the public. He further urged government employees to understand their duty to serve citizens diligently to reduce public complaints, and ordered all hospitals to establish special service windows for elderly patients. “Your subordinate is facing many complaints, and you have the authority to remove them, which means urgent action is required. Half of the people here are complaining about corruption and illegal charges. I urge you, within your mandate, to resolve this issue. Complaints must end. Anyone undermining public service should be removed. There is no reason to pamper misconduct in serving citizens,” he said. Another grievance raised concerned a land dispute involving three villages over a designated grazing area and a plot allocated to the Federation of Organisations of People with Disabilities (SHIVIWATA) in Itigi. It was alleged that the land was allocated to the federation to establish income-generating activities, but a former secretary unlawfully sold the plot for 10m/- after misleading visually impaired members into signing a contract.